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Denver Roofers Discuss the Dangers of Ice Dams

December 7, 2016

If you live in an area that is prone to cold weather and ice, it’s important to understand the concept of ice dams and how they can damage your roof. According to Denver roofers at Big Creek Roofing, ice dams pose a significant threat to roofs during the cold winter months. What are ice dams? How can they be prevented? Here’s what you need to know:

What is an ice dam?

When temperatures start to drop in Denver, snow might start to collect on your roof. Once it lands, heat rising through the roof from the attic melts the snow and causes the water to flow downwards towards the gutters. But, because the area near your gutters is not as warm as the area above your attic, the water will refreeze around the perimeter of your roof. When this happens, it is known as an ice dam.

How do ice dams cause damage?

An ice dam essentially blocks access to your gutters so nothing can drain off of your roof. Once an ice dam has formed, it will prevent the water from melting snow from draining out of your gutters, forcing it to stay onto your roof. The more water that piles up on your roof, the more likely it is that a leak will form from the pressure.

How can you spot an ice dam?

If you notice any leaks in your roof during the winter, this could indicate that you have an ice dam forming on your roof. This is especially true if the leak is positioned near an exterior wall, which is where water tends to build up when it cannot flow through the gutters because of an ice dam. You should also closely inspect your roof during freezing temperatures to check for signs of ice. It may be difficult to see if water is piling up on your roof, but if you see ice forming around the gutters, there’s a good chance that water is present as well. Learn how to identify and help remove an ice dam.

How can you remove an ice dam?

Many professionals recommend using a product designed to melt ice to remove ice dams from your roof. But, this can be tricky to do in freezing temperatures where the ground is too slippery to safely use a ladder. If you spot an ice dam on your roof, it’s always best to call a professional. The longer you let an ice dam sit on your roof, the more damage it could do, so call for help as soon as you notice the signs of one forming.

To learn more about protecting your roof from ice dams, talk to the experts. Big Creek Roofing is the premier roofing company in Denver, with a staff that specializes in every aspect of roof maintenance, repair, and replacement. When you hire our team to tackle your roofing project, you can expect on-time and high quality service at a reasonable price. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs!

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